The Ram TRX unveil video had an Easter Egg. Did you catch it?

[D&Sadventure]

Time will tell and I hope they do this as well. I was pushing the Ram team on my thoughts on the Hurricane engine and how awesome it was.

That must be why the call you guys influencers. You’re kicking it up a notch.

 

[Ctech-Review]

That must be why the call you guys influencers. You’re kicking it up a notch.

haha everyone has a different approach on it! I am coming from a user/buyer for these vehicles with a background in auto motive manufacturing design so that brings a unique perspective to these guys.

 

[RHOfan]

Considering Ford has a STX (Lobo) F150 crew cab 5.0l for $60k with cloth interior, I would expect Ram to make something similar with a 392 and be $60k or more. I would like to see them do something with a 600-700hp HO Hurricane engine. If I had to guess we will see a DC Mopar HO Hurricane Power kit next year that puts things north of 700hp.

I was kinda hoping for a 392 Hemi in something…either an RHO type truck or Laramie.

After reading a couple recent interviews with Tim K, my hopes are dashed. He sees the 392 Hemi as a less powerful & heavier option versus HO Hurricane. It would also create an overly complex truck lineup for dealers & customers. He doesn’t see the demand being large enough when HO Hurricane exists.

I kind of agree with him.

 

[RHOfan]

On the subject of Ram’s upcoming Muscle Truck, Tim K recently indicated the Fox/Ram sport truck reception has exceeded expectations, so a Hellcat powered Ram Muscle Truck makes sense.

I’m guessing that project started at the same time as TRX & simply lowering a TRX & street tuning the suspension is the most logical path forward. I’m expecting a $100K price tag, like TRX.

 

[Ctech-Review]

I was kinda hoping for a 392 Hemi in something…either an RHO type truck or Laramie.

After reading a couple recent interviews with Tim K, my hopes are dashed. He sees the 392 Hemi as a less powerful & heavier option versus HO Hurricane. It would also create an overly complex truck lineup for dealers & customers. He doesn’t see the demand being large enough when HO Hurricane exists.

I kind of agree with him.

How do you think the profitability of a Ram truck sale is with a Hurricane vs a Hemi?

 

[RHOfan]

How do you think the profitability of a Ram truck sale is with a Hurricane vs a Hemi?

I’m guessing the Hemi is more profitable as the design & production tooling has already been paid for many times over & they are asking a premium over SO Hurricane.

HO Hurricane at 540HP/521TQ vs. heavier/probably thirstier 392 Hemi with 485HP/485TQ…which would you pick if the price were the same?

I’d pick 392, but am I the minority? Is Ram ready to sunset the HO Hurricane if everyone agrees they’d rather have the Hemi?

Tim K expects the 5.7L to have an eventual 35% take rate, so they are anticipating “most people” will choose SO Hurricane.

 

[Eighty]

I’d pick 392, but am I the minority? Is Ram ready to sunset the HO Hurricane if everyone agrees they’d rather have the Hemi?

Absolutely not. While the *current* political landscape is all about bringing back Big Oil and getting rid of environmental rules, that won't always be the case. Stellantis would be out of their minds to abandon all of the newer technology in favor of the Hemi.
But then again, they also abandoned the EV stuff (like Ford and many others). But I think that's a bit different, because the world just isn't ready for that yet.

 

[Ctech-Review]

I’m guessing the Hemi is more profitable as the design & production tooling has already been paid for many times over & they are asking a premium over SO Hurricane.

HO Hurricane at 540HP/521TQ vs. heavier/probably thirstier 392 Hemi with 485HP/485TQ…which would you pick if the price were the same?

I’d pick 392, but am I the minority? Is Ram ready to sunset the HO Hurricane if everyone agrees they’d rather have the Hemi?

Tim K expects the 5.7L to have an eventual 35% take rate, so they are anticipating “most people” will choose SO Hurricane.

You nailed it profit is in the Hemi not the Hurricane. For me I am not a huge fan of the 392 (6.4 I dont mind for durability) but I know of a lot of friends that had 392s that had issues with valve train. Something about the 392 vs the standard 6.4 takes more stress in the valve train. They are super loud and sound decent. I like idea of the 392 if it was $2k-4k less than my Hurricane HO. If it were a modern Coyote I would have a different perspective. I think the HO hurricane is a beast for engine build and future performance, the only thing you lose is V8 Exhaust noises. Which for me who tows a lot a loud V8 towing is annoying anyhow.

 

[RHOfan]

Which for me who tows a lot a loud V8 towing is annoying anyhow.

So, no TRX in your future?

I had my eye on the upcoming Muscle Truck, but if it’s going to be a lowered, street-tuned TRX for $100K? Probably not for me.

I’d enjoy a more “street tuned” truck than RHO, since 99% of my driving is on pavement. But, when my wife & I want to go off-road, we don’t want to worry about dragging front splitters or scraping the expensive mechanical bits on a lowered, big rimmed TRX-like vehicle.

Was hoping Ram would bring the bigger V8 into their regular 1500 truck line-up. Something like a Laramie with AT tires & skid plates. But, it’s looking highly unlikely. And, I get it.

So, I’m back in the TRX camp. Just waiting on MD to give the green light on pricing & ordering.

 

[RHOfan]

You nailed it profit is in the Hemi not the Hurricane. For me I am not a huge fan of the 392 (6.4 I dont mind for durability) but I know of a lot of friends that had 392s that had issues with valve train. Something about the 392 vs the standard 6.4 takes more stress in the valve train. They are super loud and sound decent. I like idea of the 392 if it was $2k-4k less than my Hurricane HO. If it were a modern Coyote I would have a different perspective. I think the HO hurricane is a beast for engine build and future performance, the only thing you lose is V8 Exhaust noises. Which for me who tows a lot a loud V8 towing is annoying anyhow.

Thanks for reminding me about the 6.4L versus 392. Something I had forgotten.

Hellcat is an entirely different animal from a durability standpoint. C&D named it a Top 10 engine, of all time! I don’t need 777HP & supercharged engines are not my favorite when ambient temps are high, but it beats the durability of a 392 in any case.

 

[Mikey Swift]

On the subject of Ram’s upcoming Muscle Truck, Tim K recently indicated the Fox/Ram sport truck reception has exceeded expectations, so a Hellcat powered Ram Muscle Truck makes sense.

I’m guessing that project started at the same time as TRX & simply lowering a TRX & street tuning the suspension is the most logical path forward. I’m expecting a $100K price tag, like TRX.

This is what Ford does with the Shelby trucks. One lowered on street tires, one lifted on off road tires...makes sense if they copy that.

 

[Ctech-Review]

Thanks for reminding me about the 6.4L versus 392. Something I had forgotten.

Hellcat is an entirely different animal from a durability standpoint. C&D named it a Top 10 engine, of all time! I don’t need 777HP & supercharged engines are not my favorite when ambient temps are high, but it beats the durability of a 392 in any case.

ya 6.2 is a beast and eats fuel like a beast too! haha but they are pretty solid engines.

 

[Ctech-Review]

This is what Ford does with the Shelby trucks. One lowered on street tires, one lifted on off road tires...makes sense if they copy that.

Exactly! My understanding is Tuscany builds the shelby trucks, since they don't roll off the F150 plant floor as a Shelby. Its all done aftermarket off line, just like the Fox performance DC650 truck.